Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to redefine human resources (HR) in Singapore by 2026, according to ADP’s latest HR Trends Guide. The report reveals that 51% of Singaporean organisations consider AI crucial for enhancing payroll productivity. AI is expected to automate onboarding, streamline validation, and reduce payroll errors, expanding HR’s role to include technology orchestration and AI-enabled decision support.
The guide emphasises the importance of AI governance and HR-IT collaboration. Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework, which prioritises transparency and fairness, is influencing workplace AI practices globally. Organisations are focusing on secure data, human review, and auditability, with HR leaders working closely with IT to manage system integration and assess workforce impacts.
Despite these advancements, only 23% of Singaporean workers feel prepared for an AI-driven future. Employers are addressing this by mapping workforce capabilities, redesigning job roles, and adopting skill-based approaches. Skills confidence is becoming a key factor for employee retention and mobility.
Payroll transparency is also gaining attention, with 35% of Singaporean companies planning improvements in the next two to three years. Employers face growing pressure to demonstrate fair compensation structures, with clear job scopes and published pay ranges.
The rise of cross-border teams in Asia adds complexity to compliance, affecting payroll, data, and record-keeping. Organisations are developing standardised practices whilst adapting to local laws to maintain consistency.
Jessica Zhang, senior vice president of APAC at ADP, stated, “The workplace of 2026 will be intelligent, interconnected, and human-centric. Technologies such as AI are becoming integral to daily operations and will continue to shape how work is done across Singapore.”
